"The family of Rupert (Andy) and Harriet Anderson thank all who share their grief. The tragic death of Andy came as we prepared to celebrate his 98th birthday.

"We are grateful that Harriet, our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, is expected to recover from the head wounds. With the help of their grandson and his wife who run the kennel and live next door, and other family members and caregivers, Andy and Harriet lived in their home since 1947.

"They built Vista Kennels, bred and showed Boxers and created beautiful gardens. Vista Kennels was primarily Harriet's business while Andy was office manager at AE Dairy and a master gardener.

"We thank the Des Moines police for their care and diligent work on this case. During this difficult time, we appreciate respect for our privacy."

Police said Monday they are still working to find a motive in the case and have not yet found any connection between the Andersons and the man charged in the case.

THE HOME INVASION:

A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged in the home invasion case last Wednesday night in Des Moines.

The home invasion happened at a house at the Vista Boarding Kennels at 4400 East 46th Street in Des Moines about 7:44 p.m.

Police tell KCCI that a man died after being taken to Mercy Medical Center. A woman seriously hurt during the assault was listed in fair condition Thursday.

They were later identified as 97-year-old Rupert Anderson and his wife, 94-year-old Harriet Anderson.

Halifax said Harriet called 911 to report that they had been attacked.

"Somebody got in the house and attacked me and my husband," Harriet told the 911 dispatcher.

TEEN IN CUSTODY:

Des Moines police spokesman Sgt. Jason Halifax said 19-year-old Ngor Makuey has been charged with first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He was arrested at a home in the neighborhood close to where the Andersons live.

Police said Makuey had blood on his arm and on his body when he was arrested.

Police said Makuey had no past criminal record with the Des Moines Police Department.

The principal at Southeast Polk High School said Makuey was a student there and that he enrolled in January. Makuey did not graduate and was expected to return to school in the fall.

His bond was set at $1 million. He's being held in the Polk County Jail.

REACTION:

Almost a day after the violent crime, some people in the neighborhood find it hard to believe what happened inside the Anderson's house.

"I am just shocked and horrified. I can't imagine what was going through their heads when that young man came in," said Janet Hagins.

Richard Bird has known the Andersons for a long time.

"It is terrible for people to lose their lives like this especially when they are trying to live out their lives in peace. It's not right," said Bird.

He said it is senseless, the Andersons ran a boarding kennel and were peaceful gentle people and did not deserve the hand they were dealt.

"They are really humble people. I grew up not far from them right down the street. They were real humble and generous," said Bird.

MOTIVE IN THE CASE?

Police said the assault does not appear to be related to the kennel business. They said so far they have not yet identified a motive in the case.

No dogs at the kennel were hurt.

"We are not sure why he chose those individuals to target," said Halifax.